The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has named social media personality Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, as a person of interest in an ongoing investigation. The Service also confirmed that its officers intercepted Bobrisky at the Sème border on Monday while he was allegedly attempting to flee the country.
In a statement issued by NIS Public Relations Officer Kenneth Udo, titled ‘Nigeria Immigration Service Intercepts Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) at Sème Border Attempting to Flee the Country’, the Service announced that Bobrisky is being investigated for “recent issues of public concern.”
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky began in April 2024, when he was sentenced to six months in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for currency abuse. Although he was officially incarcerated at Kirikiri Prison, reports later emerged claiming that Bobrisky only spent three weeks there before being discreetly transferred to a private location. Allegations surfaced that his early release and preferential treatment were the result of a N15 million bribe paid to officials.
The situation intensified in late September 2024 when social media influencer VeryDarkMan released an audio recording allegedly involving Bobrisky. In the recording, Bobrisky purportedly claimed that musician Falz and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, had approached him during his imprisonment, requesting N10 million to secure a presidential pardon. The Falanas responded by issuing a cease-and-desist letter on October 16, 2024, demanding a retraction and a public apology, calling the statements defamatory.
Bobrisky denied making the allegations, insisting he was not responsible for the leaked audio and urging the Falanas to hold VeryDarkMan accountable instead.
In its Monday statement, the NIS further explained that Bobrisky is currently undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation. The Service reiterated its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and assured the public of its professionalism in carrying out its duties.